An exhibition celebrating Japanese American sculptor Isamu Noguchi (1904-1988), one of the most experimental and pioneering artists of the 20th century.
Noguchi explores the kaleidoscopic career of a true artistic polymath. This exhibition, which is his first touring retrospective in Europe for 20 years, focuses on Noguchi as a global citizen and his risk-taking approach to sculpture as a living environment.
‘Everything is sculpture. Any material, any idea without hindrance born into space, I consider sculpture.'
Over 150 works are presented, including an extraordinary range of sculptures – made in stone, ceramics, wood and aluminium – as well as theatre set designs, playground models, furniture and lighting.
Embracing social, environmental and spiritual consciousness, Noguchi believed sculpture could 'be a vital force in our everyday life' and saw art 'as something which teaches human beings how to become more human.'
This exhibition is organised and curated by Barbican Centre (London), Museum Ludwig (Cologne) and Zentrum Paul Klee (Bern), in partnership with LaM - Lille Métropole Musée d'art moderne, d'art contemporain et d'art brut.
This exhibition would not have been possible without the collaboration of The Isamu Noguchi Foundation and Garden Museum, New York.
The exhibition is generously supported by the Terra Foundation for American Art, with additional support from the Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation, U.S. Embassy London and www.designcollectors.com
Your Visit
A few things to consider before your visit:
- Advance Booking is essential
- Long umbrellas will not be allowed in the gallery.
- There is no age limit, but under 14's must be accompanied and young children should be supervised by an adult at all times
- We ask that guests do not touch the artwork
Noguchi: Resonances
Reviews
Events
Discover
Noguchi TV
In Noguchi TV we celebrate the enduring legacy of Noguchi’s work through a series of short films with artists, designers, architects, and dancers for whom the artistic polymath remains a powerful influence.
Barbican Sessions: Tomoko Sauvage
Japanese musician and artist Tomoko Sauvage performs an electro-acoustic response to the exhibition. She uses two of the sculptures themselves as well as her ceramic waterbowl instruments to generate a soundscape in the Art Gallery.
Florence Ostende on Noguchi
Our curator talks us through the thinking behind and content of the exhibition.
Noguchi: Exhibition Guide
Read the Noguchi exhibition guide and get yourself familiar with the works before visiting. Featuring section introductions and a Gallery map.
Introducing Isamu Noguchi
Assistant Curator at The Noguchi Museum in New York, Kate Wiener introduces the life and work of Japanese American sculptor, Isamu Noguchi, drawing from Noguchi’s autobiographical writings and documents from The Noguchi Museum Archives.
Noguchi: In His Own Words
Isamu Noguchi, on his own career and practice. He talks about his sources of inspiration, his process and why it was important to him that his art was accessible to all.
Conservatory x Akari Cloud
Schools
School Groups
Entry to the Art Gallery is free for all students in Key Stages 1-3. A discounted group booking rate of £3 per student is available to students in formal education groups up to the age of 19.
School Visiting Slots
We will be running a series of schools-only viewing slots for groups of up to 30 students to view the exhibition and receive a tour. The dates available are:
Tue 9 Nov 10-11am
Tue 16 Nov 10-11am
Thu 18 Nov 2-3pm
Tue 23 Nov 10-11am
Thu 25 Nov 2-3pm
Tue 30 Nov 10-11am
For bookings and enquiries please contact us at [email protected]
Learning Resource
Download our Learning Resource, suitable for Key Stages 1 - 5. Inspired by Noguchi’s playful and experimental spirit, the questions are aimed to get students of all ages exploring his life and work.
